New Student Advising

Prior to your first semester, you will meet online with an academic advisor to review placement exams results, discuss academic requirements, and register for your classes for the upcoming semester. The New Student and Family Programs staff works with advisors who will contact you at your UMass email address in June to arrange your first online New Student Advising and Course Registration appointment using the Navigate system.

Step 1: Complete Guide to the U

Guide to the U Icon: Turquoise circle with white letter U at center.

Step 1: Complete Guide to the U

Step 2: Register for Ready for the U

Ready for the U Icon: Purple circle with white letter U at center.

Step 2: Register for Ready for the U

Step 3: Complete Placement Exams

Step 4: Schedule Advising Appointment

Step 4: Schedule Advising Appointment

Prerequisites for Advising and Course Registration Fall 2026

Students must complete Guide to the U, register for Ready for the U, and take their placement exams to be eligible to schedule an online advising and course registration appointment.

First-Year Students: Register for Ready for the U, complete Guide to the U, and complete placement assessments by June 4, 2026.
MassTransfer Students: Register for Ready for the U, complete Guide to the U, and complete placement assessments by June 4, 2026.
Transfer Students: Register for Ready for the U, complete Guide to the U, and complete placement assessments by June 4, 2026.

New Student Advising and Course Registration Dates

New Student Advising and Course Registration for Fall 2026 students takes place online between June 8, 2026 – July 24, 2026. Appointments will take place online and availability will vary by admit type (first-year, transfer, or MassTransfer), college, and academic program.

About Advising in Future Semesters

For all future semesters you will need to make your own arrangements to meet with an advisor. You can find more information about Academic Advising on the UMass Amherst homepage.

First-Year Programs

As you are exploring the many opportunities UMass has to offer, be sure to give special consideration to some of the university’s academically focused first-year programs. These offerings are designed to help first-year students establish meaningful academic connections with instructors, faculty, and peers.

Residential Academic Programs (RAPS)
RAPs are living-learning communities that connect your housing assignment with a specific class. Most RAPs are open to any first-year student entering in the fall semester. Some programs are available only by invitation or application. See the RAP website for details on how to join.
First-Year Seminar
The First-Year Seminar is a small, discussion-based course where incoming UMass students explore university-level topics and learn important skills for success in college. Capped at twenty students, each class provides a close, supportive environment, where participants can learn from each other and develop personal relationships with their peers and their instructor. First-year students register for their seminar during New Student Advising.
Transfer Success Seminar (UNIV 125T)
As a transfer student in this seminar, you’ll learn the importance of and how to access the many resources and services designed to support your academics and personal life on campus. You’ll identify programs you may want to participate in, connect with other transfer students, and learn a lot about UMass! To enroll in the Transfer Success Seminar, discuss with your advisor during your New Student Advising appointment or register on SPIRE before the end of add/drop.